The Nature of Man
The Nature of Man3
Where Psychology Fails
By T. Austin-Sparks0JHN 3:3ROM 6:61CO 6:17GAL 5:24EPH 1:17T. Austin-Sparks addresses the limitations of psychology in understanding the human condition, emphasizing that true understanding comes from recognizing the threefold nature of man: spirit, soul, and body. He critiques the tendency of psychologists to ignore the spiritual aspect, which is essential for divine union with God, and argues that the new birth is a transformation of the human spirit rather than the soul or body. Sparks highlights the importance of the soul as a servant to the spirit, warning against allowing it to dominate and lead to moral failure. He concludes that true spirituality involves the soul being brought into submission to the spirit, enabling it to serve God's purposes effectively.
Man's Spirit, Soul, and Body After the Fall
By Watchman Nee0Watchman Nee discusses the tragic consequences of the Fall, explaining how man's spirit, once the highest part of his being, became dead to God after Adam's disobedience. He illustrates the original order of spirit, soul, and body, emphasizing that the spirit should govern the soul, which in turn directs the body. However, after the Fall, the spirit lost its sensitivity to God, leading to a disorderly existence where the flesh ultimately rules. Nee warns that reliance on the soulish life, which is rooted in human intellect and emotions, leads to spiritual death and separation from God. He calls for a return to the original divine order where the spirit reigns supreme, restoring true fellowship with God.
The Fall of Man
By Watchman Nee0GEN 2:16Watchman Nee discusses 'The Fall of Man,' emphasizing the unique creation of humanity with a spirit, soul, and body, and the freedom of choice given by God. He explains how Adam and Eve's choice to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil led to a reversal of the intended order, resulting in spiritual death and the subjugation of the spirit to the soul and body. Nee highlights that the fall was not just a physical act but a profound spiritual rebellion against God, leading to a loss of communion with Him. He warns that the pursuit of knowledge outside of God's will can lead to spiritual death, and stresses the importance of recognizing the distinction between the spiritual and soulish life. Ultimately, he calls for a return to dependence on God to restore the intended order of spirit, soul, and body.